Over 10 million attend Husseini funeral ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala, Iraqi committee says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — More than 10 million people took part in the funeral ceremonies of Ali Husseini Khomeini in the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, according to initial unofficial estimates released by the supreme organizing committee. Ihsan Yasin al-Awadi, head of the ceremonies' organizing committee and director of the Prime Minister's Office, said on Thursday that the rites were carried out under a comprehensive plan coordinated with Iranian Islamic Republic authorities, local administrations, the custodians of the holy shrines, the Joint Operations Command and security and service agencies. Al-Awadi said the committee formed sub-commissions to manage long vehicle convoys and large crowds, placed various institutions on alert, and brought in Husseini processions and volunteers. The ceremonies were completed without major disruption, he added, crediting the coordination among the involved bodies. The supreme committee thanked state institutions, the holy shrines, security and military units, health and service teams, Husseini processions, volunteers and citizens for their role in the ceremonies' completion. According to the statement, the remains of Ali Husseini Khomeini and four family members were transported from Najaf International Airport to the Iranian city of Mashhad at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.